Monday 18th December 2017

It's Ann's birthday today! There were a few noisy hailstorms in the night but today dawned bright and we set off south west down the coast.

We headed for the ancient hill top town of Erice.

The town is at an altitude of about 700 metres above sea level set at the top of a hill with steep cliffs all around. We parked our van and entered through this gate.

Nearby is the Cathedral. We didn't go in as there was a funeral going on at the time.

The town is a maze of beautifully paved narrow streets.

There are fantastic views in all directions from the town walls.

Here's another view.

Here's yet another view.

We visited the castle which was previously the Temple of Venus.

This is known as Venus's Well. According to local tradition the Temple of Venus collapsed on the night of Jesus's birth. If you believe that you'll believe anything.

We moved on from Erice about 35 kilometres south east to the ancient site at Segesta. Here's the Greek Temple - unfinished as the area was invaded by a rival power about 2400 years ago.

 

Even though unfinished it is still an exceptionally well preserved and impressive building after all this time.

This picture with Ann standing close to the base of the columns gives some idea of the scale.

Not too far from the Temple is the Theatre built about 200 years later when the city had come under Roman influence. It could seat about 4000 people.

Here's a view of the temple taken from high up near to the Theatre.

At Segesta we met this Chinese/Canadian couple from Toronto. They were interested in our camper van and we showed them round.

We then rather foolishly travelled west to the city of Marsala. It involved way too much travelling and sightseeing for one day. We have found a nice quite secluded car park to the south of the city and close to the sea for the night.

Today we travelled 101 miles (163 kilometres). We are at N37.74352 E12.47532

Marsala   Street view